LDFP today expresses its strong support for David Ward MP who has been criticised for voicing his disapproval of Israel’s attitude towards its Palestinian citizens and neighbours.
‘’David has spoken for the vast majority of Liberal Democrats who are outraged at the way Israel continues to violate international human rights law with total impunity. He has visited the region several times and speaks from experience. We are deeply unhappy that the party leadership is threatening to discipline him for bravely speaking out on the atrocities perpetrated by the Israeli government against the Palestinians.’ said Sally Fitzharris, Secretary of Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine.
LDFP finds it unfortunate that the debate has quickly turned to emotional mudslinging instead of sticking to the factsl
FACT: David Ward did not compare the murder of six million Jews to the treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
FACT: David Ward did say “I am saddened that the Jews, who suffered unbelievable levels of persecution during the Holocaust, could within a few years of liberation from the death camps be inflicting atrocities on Palestinians in the new State of Israel and continue to do so on a daily basis in the West Bank and Gaza.
Contributors to the debate condemn David Ward for using the word “Jews” when alluding to the state of Israel. Yet, in its Basic Laws, Israel defines itself as a “Jewish and Democratic State”.
Liberal Democrat Friends of Palestine express their serious concern that open, honest and productive debate about the Israel/Palestine conflict is yet again being smothered under the cloak of perceived anti-Semitism by political leaders and commentators alike.
